Rangers @ Flyers - First Period Thoughts

Flyers 1 Rangers 0

Just an overall boring period. The Rangers did not play well at all and made plenty of stupid decisions. Bad passes, bad skating and not capitalizing on our opportunities are the main reasons we are down by a goal. I'll credit the bad skating to the ice because it looks like the ice is horrendous with everyone falling down. It was very obvious when Gomez hit the boards. That was one very scary moment because that is a fall that can leave players with a serious injury. Gomez looked in some serious pain but at least he got up and skated around. I imagine he has some serious bruises and is very soar. Hopefully he can come back in this game.

Even though the Rangers made plenty of stupid mistakes, the Flyers goal was just a great play by Richards. He made a great block on the shot, skated hard and put the puck right in the corner. Not much Vally can do with that. If not for Vally the deficit could've been 1 or 2 goals worse.

One thing of note on that period was Colton Orr. What a great job by him to not fight and take the penalty and try and give the Rangers a chance to tie the game. That was the smartest play of the whole period for the Rangers. Too bad our powerplay is miserable and it all meant nothing.

The Rangers need to get focused and make smarter decisions to win this game. The Flyers are playing well, not great, just well. They are fighting for the playoffs and are showing that they want this win more than us.